Modular system having expandable form factor

ABSTRACT

A modular system of devices, in which a (master) device can be combined with one or more of other (slave) devices to transform to functional electronic devices having expanded functionalities and features in different form factors and/or platforms. The master device is docked to the slave device via a data/electrical interface, to transform the master device to the larger form factor of the slave device, with the master device maintaining control of the slave device, substantially based on the operating system installed in the master device, with access to the data, application programs, functionalities and features embodied in the master device. An intermediate removable physical interface adaptor (or docking adaptor) is provided to facilitate docking compatibility of the master device to the slave device. An enhanced charging and power management scheme is provided to optimize power management for the master device and the slave device.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims the priority of (a) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/404,696, filed on Oct. 6, 2010; (b) U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/458,701, filed on Nov. 29, 2010; and (c) U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/467,378, filed on Mar. 24, 2011;which are fully incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a modular system of devices, inwhich a master device can be combined with one or more of the otherdevices in the system to expand functionalities and features indifferent form factors and/or platforms.

2. Description of Related Art

The evolution of portable personal electronic devices changed the lifeof consumers. For example, notebook computers, cellular phones, etc.,provided utility and convenience to consumers which are not possiblejust 20 years ago. Some of the smaller portable electronic devices aredeveloped with features and functionalities that rival comparably largerdevices. For example, smartphones are now provided with sufficientprocessing power that can run applications that were available in largernotebook computers.

Heretofore, handheld personal electronic devices have been developed invarious form factors, each designed to optimize certain applicationutilities to users. For example, smartphones (e.g., Apple iPhone) havesmaller form factors, as compared to tablet computers (e.g., AppleiPad). Smartphones are primarily used for telecommunication, which alsoprovide access to the Internet, and run entertainment and productivityapplications. Tablets, which have larger and higher resolution displayscreens as compared to smart phones but which are lighter in weight thannotebook computers, are primarily used as a consumer tool, for providingaccess to the Internet, run entertainment and productivity applications,and in some models, also providing telecommunication function. Tabletsrequire larger batteries in order to support relatively higher powerconsumptions by the larger displays and other power consuming deviceswithin the larger form factor of the tablets.

As can be appreciated, there are significant overlap of hardware andsoftware functionalities and features between smartphones and tablets.With the development of increasingly more powerful and feature packedsmartphones, the capabilities (e.g., processing power) of smartphonesare comparable with the larger tablet computers and notebook computers,with the screen size and resolution and battery size being thesignificant differences between the devices of different form factors.For a user who wishes to have the convenience of a smartphone fortelecommunication but also the enhanced display of a tablet, the usermust purchase both devices, despite the redundant functions and featuresof the devices of different form factors. To ensure full functionalitythat the user is accustomed to when the user switches between devices,similar applications must be loaded in both devices. Further, certaindata (e.g., personal data) entered in one device must be exchanged orsynchronized with the other device, to make similar data available tothe user when the user switches between devices. Heretofore, datasynchronization applications are not robust enough to provide seamless,error free data synchronization.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,010,634 assigned to Intel is entitled “NOTEBOOK COMPUTERWITH INDEPENDENTLY FUNCTIONAL DOCKABLE CORE COMPUTER”. According to itsabstract, a notebook computer includes a docking port to receive a corecomputer. The processor of the core computer serves as the systemprocessor for the notebook computer when the core computer is docked inthe notebook computer. When the core computer is undocked, the processorserves as the system processor for the core computer. The core computermay boot a mini operating system when undocked, whereas the notebookcomputer may boot a full operating system when the core computer isdocked. The processor of the core computer may operate at a lowervoltage and at a lower frequency when serving as the system processorfor the core computer than when serving as the system processor for thenotebook computer. When the core computer is docked, the notebookcomputer memory is synchronized with the core computer memory, and abattery in the core computer is charged.

While the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,010,634 reduced certainhardware redundancy between the notebook computer and the core computer(namely sharing a single system processor), it nevertheless relies to alarge extent, running separate operating systems and applicationprograms residing in the different devices, and data synchronizationbetween the different devices. For example, when the core computer isdocked in the notebook computer, the system processor boots a larger,full operating system installed in the larger notebook computer to runthe application programs installed (i.e., uniquely associated with thefull operating system) in the larger notebook computer. When undocked,the system processor boots a smaller, mini operating system installed inthe core computer to run the application programs installed (i.e.,uniquely associated with the mini operating system) in the smaller corecomputer. Given the booting of different operating systems in thedifferent devices, the docking and undocking of the core computer withrespect to the notebook computer require re-initiation of operatingsystem (which requires power down), hence not in a “hot swap” manner.

It is therefore desirable to develop a dockable system of electronicdevice that can more significantly reduce the redundancies betweendevices, in hardware, software as well as data, while providing ease ofdocking and versatility of use between form factors and/or acrossplatforms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modular system of devices, in which a(master) device can be combined with one or more of the other (slave)devices in the system to transform to functional electronic devices(e.g., handheld cellular phone, tablet computing device, notebook PCdevice, netbook device, etc.) having expanded functionalities andfeatures in expanded form factors and/or different platforms. Themodular system reduces redundancy among the components of the variousdevices in the system, and instead improves operability with optimizedand/or enhanced functionalities and features, as the master devicetransforms to a larger form factor and/or a different platform bycombining with a slave device. When the master device transformed fromone form factor and/or platform into another by combining with one ormore slave devices, the master device provides control and/or storeddata to operate the slave devices. The master device and slave devicesshare certain control, hardware, software and data, to reduce redundancybetween devices of various form factors and/or platform, in a mannerthat provides additional or different functions and features in anoptimized and/or enhanced manner as the form factor and/or platformchanges from one to another. The master device is docked to differentslave devices via a physical port or interface and a data/electricalport or interface, to complete different functional electronic devicesof different form factors and/or platform, to achieve enhancedfunctionalities or a different set of functionalities.

In one aspect of the present invention, when undocked, the master deviceis independently functional with its own set of features. For example, asmart phone has its own operating system (O/S), a system processor(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), which is a general purposeprocessor, or a multi-function processor, which controls the variousaspects of th system), a basic input/output system (BIOS) (which may bepart of the system processor), memory (e.g., flash memory, RAM, solidstate drive, etc.), display, keyboard, microphone, speakers, associatedanalog and digital circuitry, battery, etc. In one embodiment, the slavedevice is a dumb base device with limited features and functionalities,without any or any significant processing power of its own, and havingdifferent I/O specification (e.g., graphics resolution, audio, etc.).For example, a tablet-like slave device has memory (e.g., flash memory,RAM, solid state drive, etc.), display, keyboard, microphone, speakers,associate analog and digital circuitry, battery, etc., but no systemprocessor. When the master device is docked to the larger slave device,the master device's system processor and operating system are used torun the slave device, and further the application programs residing inthe master device, in the physical peripheral environment provided bythe slave device (e.g., enhanced display). Additional applicationsoftware may be installed in the slave device, which the master devicesystem processor can run as well.

In one embodiment, the slave device may have limited processing power orlimited co-processing power (i.e., not general purpose processor ormulti-function processor) as compared to the processing power of thesystem processor that runs the operating system in the master device.Such limited, specific processing may be required for operations ofspecific peripherals in the larger slave device, such as I/O drivers,graphics drivers, human interface devices, etc, or other limitedoperation control functions for the peripheral components uniquelyassociated with the particular slave device (e.g., in the case of theslave device being an image projector device, the slave device may havelimited processing control of the projection mechanism and powermanagement). For example, the slave device may have its own applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) hard-coded with routines to undertakethe limited, specific tasks, which do not correspond to an operatingsystem, and in particular the operating system installed in the masterdevice. Notwithstanding, the operating system in the master deviceprovides significantly more functionality than any limited deviceoperation control related routines that may be provided in the slavedevice, and the system processor in the master device providessignificantly higher processing power than any processor provided in theslave device.

Different slave devices may be designed and configured with anappropriate set of peripheral components (e.g., display, microphone,speakers, antenna, etc.) optimized for specific applications when usedin conjunction with the master device. For certain applications, giventhe high level of physical integration of components within a physicalunit to optimize form factor, and the desire to optimize performancespecific to a particular application, the master and slave devices mayhave some level of redundancy (e.g., the master device and the slavedevice may have different types of displays, speakers, microphones, etc.optimized for the respective applications of the master and slavedevices).

The master device is docked to the slave device via a physical port orinterface and a data/electrical port or interface, to transform themaster device to the larger form factor of the slave device, with themaster device maintaining control of the slave device, substantiallybased on the operating system installed in the master device, withaccess to the data, application programs, functionalities and featuresembodied in the master device.

In another aspect of the present invention, an intermediate, portable,removable physical interface adaptor (or docking adaptor) is provided tofacilitate docking of the master device to the slave device. Givenvarious master devices have external housings of different physicalshapes and sizes, in order to provide compatibility of different masterdevices for docking to the same slave device, different adaptors areprovided for different master devices. Different physical interfaceadaptors can be configured to fit different master devices for aparticular same slave device. A particular portable physical interfaceadaptor conforms to the form factor of a particular master device andconforms to a docking bay provided in a particular slave device housing,such that the master device can be docked to the slave device housing.The physical interface adaptor comprises a first structure that conformsto at least a part of the master device housing, and a second structurethat conforms to the docking bay in the slave device, such that at leasta part of the master device housing can fit into the first structure andthe second structure can fit into the docking bay in the slave devicehousing, so that the master device can be docked into the housing of theslave device. The physical interface adaptor supports an electrical portor adaptor to provide data and power connections between an electricalport on the master device and a docking interface on the slave device.

In one embodiment, the master device is substantially contained in theslave device upon docking.

In one embodiment, the physical interface adaptor is configured in theform of a cartridge, having a case that substantially encloses themaster device. The cartridge has an external shape and size thatconforms to the profile of the docking bay in the slave device. Inanother embodiment, the physical interface adaptor comprises a framesupporting the master device. The frame is structured with an internalprofile conforming to at least a part of the master device housing, andan external form factor sized and shaped to directly fit inside thedocking bay in the slave device housing. In another embodiment, thephysical interface adaptor further comprises an adaptor bar removablycoupled to the frame, wherein the adaptor bar supports an electricaladaptor. In a further embodiment, the physical interface adaptor furthercomprises a cartridge receiving the frame, and supporting the adaptorbar if one is provided. In this embodiment, the frame provides a thinnerform-fitting intermediate structure that closely conforms to theexternal profile of master device, and the inside of the cartridge. Theframe is a simpler structure (hence cheaper to make), which can beprovided for each different master device having a different externalprofile, for compatibility with a cartridge having a more elaboratestructure (hence more expensive to make) for a particular slave device.In other words, the cartridge can be made universal for docking to aparticular slave device, but different frames can be configured to fitdifferent master devices for the same cartridge.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the master device isconfigured to switch control of the slave device in a “hot swap” manner,without requiring power down of the master device and/or the slavedevice.

In another aspect of the present invention, an enhanced charging andpower management scheme is provided to optimize power management for themaster device and the slave device. The scheme may be user programmableto dynamically allocate charging priority (which may include allocationof appropriate charging power) between the master device and slavedevice, based on battery charge levels in the master device and theslave device. The charging scheme may be further based on power usage bythe respective master and slave devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention, and are incorporated to constitute apart of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the following drawings, like referencenumerals designate like or similar parts throughout the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the modular system, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the front and rear views of a master devicedocked to a slave device, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention; FIG. 2C illustrates the assembly of the componentsincluding a physical interface adaptor in the form of a cartridge, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates docking and undocking, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates removal of a master device from the docked state, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate insertion and removal of a master device intoand out of a cartridge, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a cartridge, in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A to 7E illustrate docking and undocking of the cartridgeillustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B to a slave device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate a physical interface adaptor, in accordancewith a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate docking and undocking of the physicalinterface adaptor of FIGS. 8A to 8C to a slave device, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A to 10C illustrate a physical interface adaptor, in accordancewith still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11A to 11C illustrate a physical interface adaptor, in accordancewith yet a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates docking of a physical interface adaptor to a slavedevice, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates docking of a master device to a slave device, inaccordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates docking and undocking of a master device to a slavedevice, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a AVD combo slot, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates the wire interfaces provided on a master device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates control of components of a slave device via DDC inHDMI interface, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 illustrates control of components of a slave device via a USBinterface, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates control of audio I/O components in slave devices viaan analog audio interface, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates control of components of a slave device via awireless interface, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 is a schematic flow diagram of charging process for the masterdevice when docked, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 22 illustrates the data I/O path for the mode in which the masterdevice is not docked to the slave device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates the data I/O path for the mode in which the masterdevice is docked to the slave device, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 24 illustrates the voice data path for the mode in which the masterdevice is not docked to the slave device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 illustrates the voice data path for the mode in which the masterdevice is docked to the slave device, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of a master device in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a slave device in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present description is of the best presently contemplated mode ofcarrying out the invention. This invention has been described herein inreference to various embodiments and drawings. This description is madefor the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the inventionand should not be taken in a limiting sense. It will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that variations and improvements may beaccomplished in view of these teachings without deviating from the scopeand spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is bestdetermined by reference to the appended claims.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detaileddescription, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present inventionmay be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks havenot been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspectsof the embodiments.

The present invention provides a modular system of devices, in which a(master) device can be combined with one or more of the other (slave)devices in the system to transform to functional electronic devices(e.g., handheld cellular phone, tablet computing device, notebook PCdevice, netbook device, etc.) having expanded functionalities andfeatures in expanded form factors and/or different platforms. Referringto FIG. 1, the inventive modular system 10 is schematically andconceptually illustrated. Conceptually, the master device 12, a fullyindependently operable device, is dockable to a base slave device 14 ofa larger form factor. In another aspect of the present invention, anintermediate, portable, removable physical interface adaptor (or dockingadaptor) 16 is provided to facilitate docking of the master device tothe slave device. The physical interface adaptor 16 comprises a firststructure that conforms to at least a part of the housing of the masterdevice 12, and a second structure that conforms to the docking bay inthe slave device 14, such that at least a part of the master devicehousing can fit into the first structure and the second structure canfit into the docking bay in the slave device housing, so that the masterdevice 12 can be docked into the housing of the slave device 14. Thephysical interface adaptor 16 supports an electrical and data port orinterface 15 to provide data and power connections between an electricalport 13 on the master device 12 and a docking interface on the slavedevice 14. As will be explained in greater details below, data andelectrical interfaces on the master device 12 communicates with theslave device 14 via the interface 15 on the physical interface adaptor16.

In one embodiment, the physical interface adaptor 16 is configured inthe form of a cartridge, having a case that substantially encloses themaster device 12. The cartridge has an external shape and size thatconforms to the profile of the docking bay in the slave device 14. Themaster device 12 can be inserted into the cartridge, which is in turninserted into a docking bay in the slave device 14 to complete thetransformation process. Given various master devices have externalhousings of different physical shapes and sizes, in order to providecompatibility of different master devices for docking to the same slavedevice, different physical interface adaptors are provided for differentmaster devices. Different physical interface adaptors can be configuredto fit different master devices for a particular slave device. Aparticular portable physical interface adaptor conforms to the formfactor of a particular master device and conforms to a docking bayprovided in a particular slave device housing, such that the masterdevice can be docked to the slave device housing.

The slave device 14 could be a notebook display base device 15, aprojector 18, and devices 17 such as a digital photo frame device, ane-paper device, a tablet display device, a game console, an electronicdevice adapted for use in a car, an all-in-one office equipment, etc.The modular system 10 reduces redundancy among the components of thevarious devices in the system, and instead improves operability withoptimized and/or enhanced functionalities and features, as the masterdevice transforms to a larger form factor and/or a different platform bycombining with a slave device.

To illustrate the inventive concepts, the present invention will bediscussed in connection with a handheld device in the form of asmartphone as the master device and a tablet display base device havinga larger display as a base slave device (hereinafter referred to inshort simply as a tablet device). The tablet device may be a “dumbterminal” with limited features and functionalities, but having bettergraphics resolution, better sound, etc. The smartphone may be installedwith a powerful processor which runs various software applications,standing alone or docked to the base tablet device. When docked to thetablet device, the master smartphone can continue to run theseapplications, under the environment of the tablet device, for enhancedgraphics and audio, enhanced wireless reception, etc., without the needfor redundant applications to be installed in the tablet device.

FIGS. 2A to 2C illustrate the front and rear views of a tablet device22, with a physical interface adaptor in the form of a cartridge 24containing a smartphone 20 docked in the rear of the tablet device 22,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In theillustrated embodiment, the tablet 22 has a generally planar body,including a display screen 21 extending substantially covering the areawithin the edges of the body. The smartphone 20 has a smaller formfactor compared to the tablet device 22. The smartphone 20 has its owndisplay screen. The cartridge 24 provides the physical interface (orcompatibility of physical docking) between the smartphone 20 and thetablet device 22. Given various master devices have different physicalshapes and sizes, different cartridges are provided to providecompatibility of different master devices for the same slave device ordifferent slave devices. In the illustrated embodiment, the smartphoneis substantially contained in the tablet device 22 upon docking

The master smartphone 20 is docked to the slave tablet device 22 via aphysical interface and a data/electrical port or interface, to transformthe smartphone 20 to the larger form factor of the tablet device 22,with the smartphone 20 maintaining control of the tablet device 22,substantially based on the operating system installed in the smartphone20, with access to the data, application programs, functionalities andfeatures embodied in the smartphone 20. The smartphone 20 providescontrol and/or stored data to operate the otherwise non-functionaltablet device 22. The smartphone 20 and the tablet device 22 sharecontrol of the master device/smartphone 20, hardware, software and data,to reduce redundancy between these two devices, in a manner thatprovides additional or different functions and features in an optimizedand/or enhanced manner as the smartphone 20 transforms to complete afunctional tablet device 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, when undocked, the smartphone 20 isindependently functional with its own set of features. For example, thesmartphone 20 has its own operating system (O/S), a system processor(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a basic input/output system(BIOS) (which may be part of the system processor), memory (e.g., flashmemory, RAM, solid state drive, etc.), display, keyboard, microphone,speakers, associated analog and digital circuitry, battery, etc. In oneembodiment, the slave device is a dumb base device (w/o its ownoperating system and otherwise non-functional) with limited features andfunctionalities, without any or any significant processing power of itsown, and having different I/O specification (e.g., graphics resolution,audio, etc.). For example, the tablet device has memory (e.g., flashmemory, RAM, solid state drive, etc.), display, keyboard, microphone,speakers, associate analog and digital circuitry, battery, etc., but nosystem processor. When the smartphone 20 is docked to the larger tabletdevice 22, the smartphone's system processor and operating system areused to run the tablet device 22, and further the application programsresiding in the smartphone 20, in the physical peripheral environmentprovided by the tablet device (e.g., enhanced display, large touchscreen, higher power speakers, higher resolution camera, etc).Additional application software may be installed in the tablet device22, which system processor in the smartphone 20 can run as well. In oneembodiment, only the master device (i.e., the smartphone 20) includessoftware programs and drivers. In the illustrated embodiment, only thesmartphone 20 has application software and drivers installed therein,and the slave tablet device 22 has limited functions such as powercharging and data storage, in addition to enhanced user interface.

An operating system is understood by those skilled in the art to includemaster control program that runs the electronic device (e.g., a cellphone, a notebook computer, etc.). The operating system sets thestandards for all application programs that run in the particularelectronic device. The application programs “talk to” the operatingsystem, for example, for user interface and file management operations.The operating system typically performs functions including userinterface management, job management, task management, data management,and device management, among other tasks. On the other hand, a BIOS,however, is understood by those skilled in the art to include a limitedset of basic routines in an electronic device, which are stored on achip and provides an interface between the operation system and thehardware in the electronic device. The BIOS supports the peripheralfunctions and basic internal services such as the real-time clock (timeand date). Upon startup (booting) of the electronic device, the BIOStests the system and prepares the electronic device for operation byquerying its own small memory bank for drive and other configurationsettings. The BIOS then loads the operating system and passes control toit.

In one embodiment, the tablet device 22 may have no or limitedprocessing power or limited co-processing power as compared to theprocessing power of the system processor that runs the operating systemin the smartphone 20. Such limited, specific processing may be requiredfor operations of specific peripherals in the larger tablet device 22,such as I/O drivers, graphics drivers, human interface devices, etc, orother limited operation control functions for the peripheral componentsuniquely associated with the particular slave device (e.g., in the caseof the slave device being an image projector device (e.g., projector 18in FIG. 1), the slave device may have limited processing control of theprojection mechanism and power management). For example, the tabletdevice 22 may have its own application specific integrated circuit(ASIC) hard-coded with routines to undertake the limited, specifictasks, which do not correspond to an operating system, and in particularthe operating system installed in the master device. Notwithstanding,the operating system in the smartphone 20 provides significantly morefunctionality than any limited device operation control related routinesthat may be provided in the tablet device, and the system processor inthe smartphone 20 provides significantly higher processing power thanany processor provided in the tablet device 22.

The control system of the smartphone 20 (including system processor andsystem software (i.e., operating system)) is configured to automaticallydetect docking status and switch between control of the devicecomponents in the smartphone 20 and the tablet device 22, e.g., fromcontrol of the human interface devices provided in the smartphone 20 tothose provided in the tablet device 22. The docking status may bedetermined by the smartphone 20 by electronically sensing dockingconnection of the smartphone 20 to the tablet device 22, or bytriggering with a physical switch as the smartphone 20 is docked to thetablet device 22. The smartphone 20 is configured to switch control ofthe various components (e.g., display, touch input, audio output, etc.)between the smartphone 20 and tablet device 22 automatically inaccordance with the docking status determined.

For example, the system software in the smartphone 20 device isconfigured in a manner such that upon confirming docking of thesmartphone 20 to the tablet device 22, it automatically switch fromcontrol of the internal touch interface, display panel, speakers,microphone, etc. in the smartphone 20, to the external touch interface,display panel, speakers, microphone, etc. provided in the tablet device22. The display of the smartphone 20 may be turned off (or maintained onas a secondary display), and the image output is automatically switchedto the display panel in the tablet device 22, with the image quality orcharacteristics (resolution or DPI) automatically being adjusted fromthat associated with the display panel of the smartphone 20 to thatassociated with the display panel of the tablet device 22. For example,when docked, the smartphone 20 has been configured to reset the displaydriver settings to conform to the tablet 22, so as to display largericons on the larger display in the tablet device 22, and/or at higherresolution or DPI. Accordingly, upon docking, the applications in thesmartphone 20 automatically begin to use the external peripherals andhuman interface devices made available by the tablet device 22. Furtherupon docking, in the case of the smartphone 20, the audio switch in thesmartphone 20 switches the phone voice data path with the modem in thetablet device 22 (in the case of a phone), from internalreceiver/speaker and internal microphone in the smartphone 20, toexternal speakers and external microphone available in the tablet device22. Further, if a wireless antenna is provided in the tablet device 22,the smartphone 20 may switch to using the external antenna in the tabletdevice 22, if the smartphone 20 provides an RF external connector.

Referring to FIGS. 22 to 25, the system software installed in thesmartphone 20 comprises various software layers (e.g., Application,Framework, Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL), and OS Kernel), and variousdrivers (e.g., Internal Touch Driver, External Touch Driver GraphicDriver, Audio Driver, MIPI-DSI (Mobile Industry ProcessorInterface—Display Serial Interface) Driver, HDMI (High DefinitionMultimedia Interface) Driver, RIL (Radio Interface Layer) Driver, andOperational (OP) Mode Detector Driver). The system software interactswith various internal hardware (i.e., within the smartphone 20) andexternal hardware (i.e., within the tablet device 22), including, forexample, Internal Touch panel, External Touch panel, Internal LCM(liquid crystal module), External LCM, Internal Speaker, ExternalSpeaker, Internal MIC, External MIC, Audio Switch, and Modem. In theillustrated embodiments in FIGS. 22 to 25, all the necessary softwareand drivers are included in the smartphone 20.

FIG. 22 illustrates the data I/O path for the mode in which thesmartphone 20 is not docked to the tablet device 22. As illustrated, thesystem software within the smartphone 20 interacts with the internalhardware (e.g., Internal Touch panel, Internal LCM, Internal Speaker andInternal MIC) via appropriate drivers.

FIG. 23 illustrates the data I/O path for the mode in which thesmartphone 20 is docked to the tablet device 22. As illustrated, thesystem software within the smartphone 20 switches to interact withvarious external hardware found on the tablet device 22 (e.g., ExternalTouch panel, External LCM, External Speaker and External MIC) viaappropriate drivers, some of which are different from those employed inthe undocked mode (e.g., External Touch Driver and HDMI Driver, sincethe External Touch, External LCM and External Speaker on the tabletdevice 22 are at high resolution/definition compared to the Internal LCMand Internal Speaker on the smartphone 20).

FIG. 24 illustrates the voice data path for the mode in which thesmartphone 20 is not docked to the tablet device 22. The Audio Switchprovided in the smartphone 20 switches the Internal MIC and the InternalReceiver/Speaker to operate with the Modem that is controlled by the RILDriver.

FIG. 25 illustrates the voice data path for the mode in which thesmartphone 20 is docked to the tablet device 22. The Audio Switch in thesmartphone 20 switches the External MIC and the External Speaker tooperate with the Modem.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone 20 isconfigured to switch control to include the tablet device 22 in a “hotswap” manner, without requiring power down of the smartphone 20 and/orthe tablet device 22. For example, in the AVD slot illustrated in FIG.15 and described below, in the HDMI portion, the HDMI_DETECTION pincould be used for insertion detection, in connection with hot swapoperation.

FIG. 3 illustrates the steps undertaken in the transformation processinvolving docking of the smartphone 20 into the tablet device 22.Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge 24 isconfigured generally with a housing 25 having a pivoted cover or lid 26.After the smartphone 20 is inserted by sliding into the cartridge 24,the lid 26 is closed against the housing 25, and then inserted bysliding into the docking bay 28 at the rear of the tablet device 22,thereby completing the transformation/docking process. FIG. 4illustrates the steps undertaken to extract the smartphone 20 from thetablet device 22. The lid 26 of the cartridge 24 is opened, and thesmartphone 20 is slid out of the housing 25 of the cartridge 24 withouthaving to first remove/undock the cartridge 24 from the tablet device22. In this embodiment, the cartridge 24 may first be docked to thetablet device 22, before the smartphone 20 is inserted into thecartridge 24.

Other than the tablet device 22, the smartphone 20 may be docked toother different slave devices (e.g., a notebook display base device 15in FIG. 1) via a physical port or interface and a data/electrical portor interface, to complete different functional electronic devices ofdifferent form factors and/or platform, to achieve enhancedfunctionalities or a different set of functionalities. In oneembodiment, a different cartridge is configured to provide a cavitysized and shaped to receive a particular model of smartphone. Differentcartridges having the same external shape and size but differentinterior spaces and data/physical interfaces are provided to accommodatethe different models of smartphone of different shapes and sizes. Thisprovides compatibility and interchangeability for different smartphoneswith the same tablet device, or with other different slave deviceshaving same docking interface for cartridges having the same externalshape and size.

The cartridge 24 has an internal data/electrical connector configuredfor coupling to a complementary connector on the master device, and anexternal data/electrical connector for coupling to a complementaryconnector on the slave device when the master device is docked to theslave device. The internal and external connectors are conductivelycoupled (e.g., by a cable or flexible or rigid printed circuit board) totransfer data and/or electrical signals. To provide compatibility amongvarious cartridges for different master devices, the externaldata/electrical connectors for different cartridges are of the sameconfiguration, with the internal data/electrical connectors configuredfor specific master devices. In one embodiment, the internaldata/electrical connector is fixed to the cartridge or connected to thecartridge by a flexible cable, for connection to the master device. Theexternal data/electrical connector can also be fixed to the cartridge orconnected to the cartridge by a flexible cable. Instead of connecting tothe cartridge, the internal and external connectors are interconnectedby a cable passing through the cartridge body wall, which cable may notbe affixed to the cartridge body. If the internal connectors are fixedto the cartridges, different cartridges for different master devicescould have different internal connectors at different locations withinthe respective cartridges, to complement the connectors on theparticular master devices to be used with the cartridges.

The cartridge is configured to facilitate insertion and release of thesmartphone 20 in and from the cartridge. In one embodiment, as thesmartphone is inserted into the cartridge by sliding the smartphone intothe cartridge, a complementary data/electrical port on the smartphone iscoupled to the internal data/electrical connector in the cartridge. Aninterlocking mechanism (e.g., a cover provided on the cartridge, lockingtabs or knobs) may be configured to provide positive interlocking of themaster device within the cartridge, to ensure that the master device issecurely and completely inserted into the cartridge. Referring toembodiment in FIG. 5, the cartridge 24 has an external data/electricalconnector 27 at the outside of the rear edge of the housing 25. At therear edge on the inside of the housing 25, an internal data/electricalconnector (not shown) is provided. With the lid 26 open, as thesmartphone 20 is inserted into the housing 25, the data/electrical portsat the edge of the smartphone 20 couples with the internal connector.The pivotable lid 26 is configured such that the insertion of thesmartphone 20 also closes the lid 26 by cam action, to fully enclose thesmartphone 20 within the cartridge 24. Referring to FIG. 5B, to removethe smartphone 20 from the cartridge 24, the lid 26 is pivoted open, andthe data/electrical port of the smartphone 20 is separated from theinternal data/electrical connector at the inside of the rear edge of thehousing 25. As the lid 26 is pivoted open, the smartphone 20 is alsoejected from the housing by cam action. The internal data/electricalconnector and the cam action can be better understood in connection withthe embodiment below.

Referring to the embodiment in FIG. 6A, the cartridge 34 has a housing35 with a pivotable lid 36. At the outside of the rear edge of thehousing 35, an external data/electrical connector 37 is provided.Internal data/electrical connectors 38 are provided on a spring biasedfloating plate 39 parallel to the inside of the rear edge of the housing35, which are electrically connected to the external data/electricalconnector 37. Referring also to FIG. 6B, it can be seen that as thesmartphone 20 is inserted into the housing 35, the data/electrical portson the smartphone 20 engage the internal data/electrical connectors 38,and the rear edge of the smartphone 20 pushes against the floating plate39, to compress the springs 46. The smartphone 20 is held in place inthe housing 35 when the lid closed. FIG. 6B shows the cam action betweenthe plate 39 and the lid 36. The cam 31 at the back of the plate 39interacts with the hook 33 at pivoted end of the lid 36, in a mannersuch that movement of the plate 39 towards the rear of the housing 35would result in the cam 31 pulling the hook 33 to close the lid 36, andopening the lid 36 would result in the hook 33 pushing the cam 31 tomove the plate towards the front of the housing 35. (A stop (not shown)may be provided (e.g., at the top of the housing 35) to interact withthe lid 36 to prevent the extent the lid 36 can be opened, so that thecam 31 is within range of interaction with the hook 33.) Accordingly, byflipping open the lid 36, the plate 39 pushes the smartphone 20 out ofthe housing 35, through the front opening defined between the lid 36 andthe housing 35. The data/electrical port of the smartphone 20 isseparated from the internal data/electrical connector 38. In theillustrated embodiment, the plate 39 is biased by springs 46, in adirection towards the rear of the housing. This would keep the cam 31against the hook 33 to maintain the lid 36 closed to securely retain thesmartphone 20 inside the cartridge 34.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, a spring loaded release button 30 isprovided on a tab 41 extending from the rear of the cartridge housing35, to facilitate locking and releasing of the cartridge 34 inconnection with docking to a docking bay 40 of a tablet device 32.Referring to FIG. 7A, a complementary hole 43 is provided in the rearhousing of the tablet device 32. Also referring to FIG. 7C, as thecartridge 34 is slid into the docking bay 40 at the rear of the tabletdevice 32, the tab 41 is received below the housing around the hole 43,and the button 30 is retained in the hole 40 under upward bias of thespring 44, to securely retain the cartridge 34 at the rear of the tabletdevice 32. The external data/electrical connector 37 at the rear of thecartridge 34 engages the complementary port provided at the docking bay40 of the tablet device 32. FIG. 7E more clearly illustrates locking andrelease of the cartridge 34, based on the interaction of the button 30and hole 43. Referring to FIG. 7B, to remove the cartridge, the button30 is depressed against bias of the spring 44 to clear the hole 43, andthe cartridge can then be slid out of the docking bay 40. Also referringto FIG. 7D, springs 45 are provided at the rear edge of the docking bay40, to provide an outward bias in a direction to push the cartridge outof the docking bay 40 when the button 30 is released from the hole 43.The external data/electrical connector 37 at the rear of the cartridge34 is separated from the data/electrical port at the docking bay 40 ofthe tablet device 32. Compared to the embodiment of FIG. 4 in which thesmartphone 20 may be removed from the cartridge 24 that is still dockedto the tablet device 22, in the present embodiment, the cartridge 34 isfirst removed/undocked from the tablet device 32 before the smartphone20 is released from the cartridge 34.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a physical interface adaptor inthe form of a cartridge. FIG. 8A schematically illustrates a cartridge54 in the form of a sleeve 55, having a front opening through which thesmartphone 20 can be inserted and removed. The sleeve 55 contains thesmartphone 20, exposing only an edge of the smartphone 20. There is nopivoted lid or cover in this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8B, slidablelocking tabs 52 are provided at the edge of the opening in the sleeve55, for securely retaining the smartphone 20 within the sleeve. As inthe previous embodiment, internal data/electrical connectors 58 areprovided on a floating bar or plate 59 near the inside rear edge of thesleeve 55, and external data/electrical connectors 57 are provided atthe outside rear edge of the sleeve 55. The internal connectors 58 andexternal connector 57 are electrically connected. A push-pull module 50is provided to bias the floating plate 59 to facilitate ejection of thecartridge smartphone 20 from the sleeve 55. As the smartphone 20 is slidinto the sleeve 55, the data/electrical ports on the smartphone 20engages the internal data/electrical connectors 58 and pushes the plate59 against the biasing force of the push-pull module 50. The tabs 52 areslid inwards to block the smartphone 20 from disengaging from the sleeve55. To release the smartphone 20 from the sleeve, the tabs are slidoutwards, allowing the smartphone 20 to be released from the sleeve 55.The smartphone 20 may be pushed out of the sleeve 55 if the push-pullmodule 50 is always at a “push’ state, or the user may push the exposededge of the smartphone 20 inward slightly, to trigger the push-pullmodule 50 to enter the “push” state to release the smartphone 20. Thecoupling between the data/electrical ports on the smartphone 20 and theinternal connectors 58 is released when the smartphone 20 is releasedfrom the sleeve 55. The docking of the cartridge 54 to a tablet device52 is illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9C. As the cartridge 54 is slid intothe docking bay 53 at the rear of the tablet device 52, the externaldata/electrical connector 57 couples to complementary data/electricalports (not shown) in the docking bay 53.

In another embodiment, the physical interface adaptor comprises a framesupporting the master device. The intermediate frame is configured tofit between the master device and the cartridge. The frame is structuredwith an internal profile conforming to at least a part of the masterdevice housing, and an external form factor sized and shaped to directlyfit inside the cartridge, which has an external form factor that fitsthe docking bay in the slave device housing. The master device is firstinserted into the frame, before insertion into the cartridge.

FIG. 10A schematically illustrates a cartridge 64 in the form of asleeve 65, having a front opening through which a frame 62 holding thesmartphone 20 can be inserted and removed. The sleeve 65 is configuredsimilar to the sleeve 54 in FIG. 8A, except that the sleeve is open onthe larger planar sides. The frame 62 is an intermediate bracket-likestructure, which surrounds the edges of the smartphone 20. Thesmartphone 20 is first fitted with the frame 62, before the frame 62 isinserted into the sleeve 65. The frame 62 is provided with openingsthrough which the internal data/electrical connectors in the sleeve 65can couple with the data/electrical ports on the smartphone 20. FIGS.10B and 10C illustrate the insertion of the frame 62 into the sleeve 65,which involves quite similar considerations as compared to those inconnection with FIGS. 8B and 8C. The cartridge 65 can be docked to atablet device 52 in a similar manner illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9C, viaexternal data/electrical connector 67.

In this embodiment, the frame provides a thinner form-fittingintermediate structure that closely conforms to the external profile ofmaster device, and the inside of the cartridge. The frame is a simplerstructure (hence cheaper to make), which can be provided for eachdifferent master device having a different external profile, forcompatibility with a cartridge having a more elaborate structure (hencemore expensive to make) for a particular slave device. In other words,the cartridge can be made universal for docking to a particular slavedevice, but different frames can be configured to fit different masterdevices for the same cartridge. The intermediate frame essentiallyprovides another level of compatibility of the master device and thecartridge/sleeve, whereby master devices having different shapes andsizes may be made compatible with the same sleeve by providing frames ofappropriate configurations.

In a further embodiment, the physical interface adaptor furthercomprises an adaptor bar removably coupled to a frame, wherein theadaptor bar supports an electrical adaptor. The frame may be configuredto be coupled to an “open” cartridge that is in the form of an adaptorbar having connectors similar to the internal and external connectors inthe earlier disclosed embodiments. The frame with the master device iscoupled to the adaptor bar, before docking to the slave device. FIG. 10Aschematically illustrates a cartridge 74 in the form of an adaptor bar75. A frame 72 for holding the smartphone 20 is quite similar to theframe 62 in the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 10A. The adaptor bar75 is provided with data/electrical connectors 78 on the side facing theframe 72, and data/electrical connectors 77 on an opposing side. Thesmartphone 20 is first fitted with the frame 72, before the frame 72 iscoupled to the adaptor bar 75. A lock/release tab 73 is provided on theadaptor bar 75 to lock and release the frame 72 against the adaptor bar75. In this embodiment, there is no external sleeve that contains theframe 72 that holds the smartphone 20. The frame 72 and adaptor bar 75can be docked to a tablet device 52 in a similar manner illustrated inFIGS. 9A to 9C.

FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate additional embodiments directed to docking toslave devices. In FIG. 12, the cartridge 80 is docked by pressing ontothe rear docking bay in the tablet device 82, instead of sliding intothe docking bay in the earlier embodiments. Given the different dockingaction, the docking data/electrical ports 84 is provided in the largerplanar surface in the docking bay 85, to accommodate docking by pressingof the cartridge 80 onto the docking bay 85. The cartridge 80 may takesimilar form as those described in connection with the earlierembodiments, with the location of the external data/electrical connectorappropriately located to complement the docking port 84. In FIG. 12, thecartridge 80 comprises a sleeve similar to the sleeve 64 in FIG. 10A,except for the location of the external data/electrical connectors. Thecartridge 80 may be securely docked in the docking bay 85 by usingmagnetic force (eg., providing a magnet on either the sleeve of thecartridge 80 or the docking bay 85, and providing a complementarymagnetic material on the docking bay 85 or the sleeve of the cartridge80.

In the earlier embodiments, the docking bay is located near an edge ofthe rear of the planar tablet device. In the alternate embodimentillustrated in FIG. 13, the docking bay 86 is located substantially atthe center of the rear of the planar tablet device 88, to provide moreeven weight distribution when the slave device (e.g., the smartphone 20)is docked to the tablet device 88. In this embodiment, the smartphone 20is docked directly to the tablet device 88 without the presence of acartridge. However, it is well within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention to provide a physical interface adaptor, such as thosedescribed above, for docking the smartphone 20.

In a further embodiment, the docking bar is located at the side of theplanar tablet device. In FIG. 14, the docking bay 92 is at the side ofthe tablet device 90. The tablet device 90 has a large screen having adisplay section 91, and a transparent section 93 extending to cover thedocking bay 92 at one side of the screen, to provide a window into thedocking bay. When the slave device, in this case the smartphone 20, isdocked into the docking bay 92, the display 211 of the smartphone 20 isvisible through the transparent section 93, along with the image viewedat the display section 91 of the tablet device 90. This configurationprovides additional graphical user interface features to the user, suchas allowing the user to transfer content between the docked smartphone20 and the tablet device 90 by a drag-and-drop procedure, bymanipulating displayed information between the smartphone display 211and the display section 91 of the tablet device 90. In this embodiment,the smartphone 20 is docked directly to the tablet device 90 without thepresence of a cartridge. However, it is well within the scope and spiritof the present invention to provide a physical interface adaptor, suchas those described above, for docking the smartphone 20.

Besides the illustrated tablet device, different other slave devices maybe designed and configured with an appropriate set of peripheralcomponents (e.g., display, microphone, speakers, antenna, etc.)optimized for specific applications when used in conjunction with themaster device. For certain applications, given the high level ofphysical integration of components within a physical unit to optimizeform factor, and the desire to optimize performance specific to aparticular application, the master and slave devices may have some levelof redundancy (e.g., the master device and the slave device may havedifferent types of displays, speakers, microphones, etc. optimized forthe respective applications of the master and slave devices).

In another aspect of the present invention, a novel data/electricalinterface is provided. In particular an AVD combo slot connector isconfigured, which provides a combination of several interface standards,e.g., a combination of high definition multimedia interface (HDMI; e.g.,micro HDMI type D), universal serial bus interface (e.g., USB 3.0; e.g.,micro AB), and analog audio interface, or a combination of USB and HDMIinterfaces. The AVD combo slot provides for digital audio and videostreaming, data transfer, and peripheral control. In one embodiment, aspecific AVD audio interface connector socket and pin definition isprovided, as illustrated in FIG. 15. A wireless interface may also beprovided, such as a Bluetooth wireless interface.

In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 16, the AVD slot in thesmartphone 20 is provided with the following combination of wiredinterfaces: HDMI interface for display; USB interface for peripheralcontrol, DDC interface (12C included in HDMI) for peripheral control,and analog audio interface for headset. Referring to FIG. 17, control ofthe target slave device (e.g., tablet device 22) may be effected by themaster device (e.g. smartphone 20) using the DDC (Display Data Channel)interface found in the HDMI interface. Specifically, via the DDCinterface, the touch panel, volume, brightness/contrast, powermanagement, and other human interface devices (e.g., keyboard) in thetablet device 22 may be controlled by the smartphone 20 without anyextra lead or pin. For example, via the DDC, touch panel in the tabletdevice 22 can be controlled with fast response time. The tablet device22 provides “interrupt” to the smartphone 20 via the same interface.

FIG. 18 schematically illustrates control of the target slave tabletdevice 22 by the smartphone 20 via the USB interface, including powercontrol by the tablet device 22 via the USB interface. In another aspectof the present invention, an enhanced charging and power managementscheme is provided to optimize power management for the master deviceand the slave device. The scheme may be user programmable to dynamicallyallocate charging priority (which may include allocation of appropriatecharging power) between the master device and slave device, based onbattery charge levels in the master device and the slave device. Thecharging scheme may be further based on power usage by the respectivemaster and slave devices.

According to the present invention, contrary to a normal USB interfacein which a master provides power to a slave, the master device (e.g., aspart of its operating software) is configured to bypass the masterdevice providing power to the slave device, but in reverse supply powerfrom the slave device to the master device, depending on the chargingcondition. Under the USB interface, normally the base host providespower to the peripheral USB device that is plugged into the host. USBhas an OTG (“On-The-Go”) mode, which refers to the concept that a USBdevice can be either a host or a peripheral, and allows for the attachedUSB device to switch role with the base device and become the hostthrough the USB interface.

One embodiment of charging configuration 210 is disclosed in a schematicflow diagram in FIG. 21. In particular, once an external electronicdevice is electrically attached to the master device (e.g., thesmartphone 20), the master device enters OTG mode (at block 211). Themaster device is configured to determine if such attached externalelectronic device is a slave device having its own rechargeable powersupply (e.g., the tablet device 20) to which the master device isdocked, or a peripheral USB device that does not have its own powersupply (e.g., a USB flash drive).

The master device is configured by a modified USB protocol to initiallyenter a “set to power by external device” mode (at black 212). This isin contrast to the non-modified OTG mode, in which the master isautomatically set to proved power to the attached external device. Atblock 213, the master device detects if there is a voltage on the VBUSpath. If voltage does not exist on the VBUS path, the attached externalelectronic device is presumed to be a peripheral USB device that doesnot have its own power. At block 214, the master device charges theattached USB device. At block 215, if the USB device is detected to bedisconnected from the master device, the master device exit OTG mode.

If however at block 213, voltage is detected to exist on the VBUS path,the master device determines that the attached electronic device is aslave device having its own rechargeable power supply. The slave devicemay be connected to an external power source via an internal or externalcharging adaptor. The master device enters external charging mode atblock 217, with the slave device providing charging power (stored orexternal power) to the master device. At block 218, the charging currentis also regulated based on a power management scheme (see belowdiscussion). Charging takes place (at blocks 219 and 220) until themaster device is disconnected from the slave device (at block 221), atwhich time the master device exits charging mode at block 222.

Further, in accordance with one embodiment of power management based oncapacity and availability, the master and slave devices are charged inaccordance with the following priority if the slave is provided withexternal power (e.g., via an A/C to D/C charge adaptor). Assume masterdevice battery level is “X” and slave device battery level is “Y”. Ifboth X and Y <80% then charge X to 80% first and charge Y to 80% next,then trickle charge together. If X≧80% and Y<80%, divide the chargecurrent to trickle charge X and fast charge Y. If both X and Y≧80%, thentrickle charge together. If X<80%, Y≧80%, fast charge X and tricklecharge Y.

While FIG. 18 shows the power management control implemented in theslave device, such function may also be implemented in the master device(e.g., the smartphone 20).

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates the analog audio interface controllingthe speakers and amplifier, microphone and headset in the target slavetablet device 22. In one embodiment, the audio interface pin definitionmay include: Pin 1—Audio Right; Pin 2—MIC 1; Pin 3—Audio Left; Pin 4—MIC2; Pin 5—Ground/Detection; Pin 6—1-wire (for docking peripheralcontrol).

In addition, there may be a wireless interface between the master andslave devices. For example, referring to FIG. 20, the smartphone 20 maycommunicate with the target slave tablet device 22 via a Bluetoothinterface. In one embodiment, possible Bluetooth Applications (Profiles)may include (1) HID (Human Interface Device) Profile—for input devices(e.g., keyboard); (2) HSP (Headset Profile)—for audio devices; (3) HFP(Hands-Free Profile)—for audio devices; (4) FTP (File TransferProfile)—for storage devices.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the components ofthe system of the smartphone 20 in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention, which implements the various functions, features andstructures described above. The smartphone 20 include a memory 102(e.g., one or more computer readable storage mediums, such as high-speedrandom access memory, and non-volatile memory), a memory controller 122controlling access to memory 102 by other components; one or moreprocessing units (CPU's) 120 running or executing various softwareprograms and/or sets of instructions stored in memory 102 to performvarious functions for the smartphone 20 and to process data; aperipherals interface 118 coupling the input and output peripherals ofthe device to the CPU 120 and memory 102; an RF circuitry 108 includingan antenna/radio for receiving and sending electromagnetic signals, andcommunicates with communications networks (e.g., GSM and WiFi networks)and other communications devices via the electromagnetic signals basedon known wireless communication protocols; an audio circuitry 110; aspeaker 111; a microphone 113; a camera 114; a touch screen 112 as partof the display system of the smartphone; an input/output (I/O) subsystem106; other input or control devices 116 (e.g., physical buttons (e.g.,push buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, clickwheels, etc); and an external port 124 for communicating with otherdevices (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB), docking, power charging,etc., which could be implemented in the form of the multi-pindata/electrical interface (e.g., the AVD combo slot connector describedabove) for coupling directly to the docking interface on the tablet 22,or indirectly via the internal data/electrical connector in thecartridge, both described above). These components may communicate overone or more communication buses or signal lines 103. In someembodiments, the peripherals interface 118, the CPU 120, and the memorycontroller 122 may be implemented on a single chip, such as a chip 104.In some other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips.

The I/O subsystem 106 couples input/output peripherals on the smartphone20, such as the touch screen 112 and the other input/control devices 116to the peripherals interface 118. The I/O subsystem 106 may include adisplay controller 156 and one or more input controllers 160 for otherinput or control devices. The touch-sensitive touch screen 112 providesan input interface (e.g., virtual or soft buttons, soft keyboard) and anoutput interface between the device and a user (e.g., displaying visualoutput to the user). The visual output may include graphics, text,icons, video, and any combination thereof. The touch screen 112 may useLCD (liquid crystal display) technology, or LPD (light emitting polymerdisplay) technology.

The smartphone 20 also includes a power system 162 for powering thevarious components. The power system 162 may include a power managementsystem as disclosed above, a recharging system, one or more powersources (e.g., battery, connection to external power charger, andconnection to the external port 124 to receive charging power from thetablet device 22), a power failure detection circuit, a power converteror inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode(LED)) and any other components associated with the generation,management and distribution of power in portable devices.

The software components stored in memory 102 include an operating system126 (e.g., Android, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system) andvarious modules 128 including software components and/or drivers forcontrolling and managing general system tasks (e.g., memory management,storage device control, power management, etc.) and facilitatescommunication between various hardware and software components. Thememory 102 may store, for example, a communication module thatfacilitates communication with other devices over one or more externalports 124 and also includes various software components for handlingdata received by the RF circuitry 108 and/or the external port 124; acontact/motion module for detecting and/or reading user touch/motioninput; a graphics module for rendering and displaying graphics on thetouch screen 112. In addition, memory 102 may include variousapplication modules 136, such as a contacts module (sometimes called anaddress book or contact list); a telephone module; an e-mail clientmodule; an instant messaging (IM) module; a camera module for stilland/or video images; a music player module; a browser module; a calendarmodule; etc.

Each of the above identified modules and applications correspond to aset of instructions for performing one or more functions describedabove. These modules (i.e., sets of instructions) need not beimplemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules, andthus various subsets of these modules may be combined or otherwisere-arranged in various embodiments. For example, video player module maybe combined with music player module into a single module. In someembodiments, memory 102 may store a subset of the modules and datastructures identified above. Furthermore, memory 102 may storeadditional modules and data structures not described above.

It should be appreciated that the smartphone 20 as illustrated is onlyone example of a master device, and that the device may have more orfewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or mayhave a different configuration or arrangement of the components. Thevarious components shown in FIG. 26 may be implemented in hardware,software or a combination of hardware and software, including one ormore signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of the tablet device 22 in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. Given that the tablet device 22is a “dumb” terminal, subject to control of the smartphone 20, and usesthe applications stored in the smartphone 20, the tablet device 22 has arelatively simpler set of passive components, as compared to thesmartphone 20. The tablet 22 may include an external port 324 forcommunicating with other devices (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB),docking, charging port, etc., which could be implemented in the form ofa multi-pin docking interface for coupling directly to thedata/electrical interface on the smartphone 20 (e.g., the AVD combo slotconnector described above) or indirectly via the externaldata/electrical connector on the cartridge, as described above); anaudio circuitry 310; a speaker 311; a microphone 313; a camera 314; atouch screen 312 as part of the display system of the tablet device 22;other input or control devices 316 (physical buttons (e.g., pushbuttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, click wheels,etc). These components may communicate over one or more communicationbuses or signal lines 303 with the external port 324. In addition, ifenhanced wireless connection is desired, an enhanced antenna 308 may beprovided for communicating with communications networks.

The visual output may include graphics, text, icons, video, and anycombination thereof. The touch screen 312 may use LCD (liquid crystaldisplay) technology, or LPD (light emitting polymer display) technology.The various input/output peripherals on the tablet device 22, such asthe touch screen 312 and the other input/control devices 116, arecontrolled by the I/O subsystem 106 in the smartphone 20 when thesmartphone 20 is docked to the tablet device 22 (i.e., the external port124 on the smartphone 124 and the external port 324 on the table device22 are operatively coupled, either directly or indirectly via thedata/electrical connectors in the cartridge, as discuss above). Theperipherals such as audio circuitry 310, speaker 311, microphone 313,and camera 314 are controlled via the peripheral interface 118 in thesmartphone 20, via the external ports 124 and 324 when the smartphone 20is docked to the tablet device 22. A sub-controller (not shown) may beprovided in the tablet device 22, which acts as a slave controlled bythe controller 122 and/or processor 120 and/or the I/O subsystem 106 inthe master smartphone 20. The sub-controller controls the operations ofthe various peripherals and/or I/O devices in the tablet device 22,based on control signals received from the smartphone 20.

The tablet device 22 also includes a power system 362 for powering thevarious components. The power system 362 includes, a recharging system,one or more power sources (e.g., battery, connection for external powercharger), a power failure detection circuit, a power converter orinverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED))and any other components associated with the generation and distributionof power in portable devices. The power system 362 is operativelycoupled to the power system 162 in the smartphone 20, and suppliescharging power to the smartphone 20 via the external ports 124 and 324.The power system 362 may rely on the power management system of thepower system 162 in the smartphone 20, or include its own powermanagement system that complements and/or coordinates with the powermanagement system in the smartphone 20.

It should be appreciated that the tablet device 22 as illustrated isonly one example of a slave device, and that the device may have more orfewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or mayhave a different configuration or arrangement of the components.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madewithout departing from the spirit, scope, and teaching of the invention.Accordingly, the disclosed invention is to be considered merely asillustrative and limited in scope only as specified in the appendedclaims.

1. A modular system of devices, comprising: a first electronic devicethat is independently functional with its own set of features,comprising a first housing in a first form factor, supporting: a firsthuman input/output interface; a control system comprising a systemprocessor and an operating system, controlling operation of the firsthuman input/output interface; a first power source providing power tooperate the first electronic device; an electrical interface providingdata access external of the housing; and a second electronic devicecomprising a second housing in a second form factor, supporting: asecond human input/output interface; a second power source providingpower to operate the second electronic device; a docking interfacecommunicating with the electrical interface of the first electronicdevice, wherein the first electronic device is removably dockable to thesecond electronic device, and wherein operation of the second electronicdevice is controlled at least in part by the system processor of thefirst electronic device via the electrical interface and dockinginterface when the first electronic device is docked to the secondelectronic device.
 2. The modular system as in claim 1, wherein thecontrol system further comprises a memory in the first electronic devicestoring the operating system, application programs and data, which arerelied by the second electronic device for operations.
 3. The modularsystem as in claim 2, wherein the operation of the second electronicdevice is also controlled by the operating system of the firstelectronic device.
 4. The modular system as in claim 3, wherein theoperating system in the first electronic device provides morefunctionality than any limited device specific operation routineprovided in the second electronic device.
 5. The modular system as inclaim 3, wherein the system processor in the first electronic deviceprovides a higher processing power that any processor provided in thesecond electronic device.
 6. The modular system as in claim 3, whereinthe system processor comprises a central processor unit (CPU), whichprovides higher processing power than any processor provided in thesecond electronic device, including any CPU provided in the secondelectronic device.
 7. The modular system as in claim 1, furthercomprising an intermediate, portable, removable physical interfaceadaptor that facilitates docking of the first electronic device to thesecond electronic device and provides data and power connection betweenthe electrical interface and a docking bay provided in the secondhousing of the second electronic device.
 8. The modular system as inclaim 7, wherein the portable physical interface adaptor conforms to thefirst form factor of the first electronic device and conforms to thedocking bay provided in the second housing, such that the firstelectronic device can be docked into the second housing of the secondelectronic device.
 9. The modular system as in claim 8, wherein thephysical interface adaptor comprises a first structure that conforms toat least a part of the first housing, and a second structure thatconforms to the docking bay in the second housing, such that said atleast a part of the first housing can fit into the first structure andthe second structure can fit into the docking bay in the second housing,so that the first electronic device can be docked to the housing of thesecond electronic device.
 10. The modular system as in claim 9, whereinthe first electronic device is substantially contained in the secondelectronic device upon docking
 11. The modular system as in claim 9,wherein the first structure is a frame supporting the first electronicdevice.
 12. The modular system as in claim 11, wherein the secondstructure is a cartridge receiving the frame.
 13. The modular system asin claim 8, wherein the physical interface adaptor is configured as acartridge.
 14. The modular system as in claim 7, wherein the physicalinterface adaptor supports an electrical adaptor having a first endconnectable to the electrical interface on the first electronic device,and a second end connectable to the docking interface on the secondelectronic device.
 15. The modular system as in claim 14, wherein thephysical interface adaptor further comprises an adaptor bar removablycoupled to the frame, wherein the adaptor bar supports the electricaladaptor.
 16. The modular system as in claim 1, wherein the electricalinterface comprises a combination of HDMI and USB.
 17. The modularsystem as in claim 1, wherein a third electronic device having a thirdform factor different from the first form factor may be dockable to thesecond electronic device using another portable physical interfaceadaptor associated with the third electronic device, which conforms tothe third form factor and conforms to the docking bay.
 18. The modularsystem as in claim 1, wherein the first power source comprises a firstbattery, and the second power source comprises a second battery, whereinwhen the first electronic device is docked to the second electronicdevice and both first and second electronic devices are being charged byan external power source, charging priority is dynamically allocatedbetween the first and second electronic devices, based on battery chargelevels in the respective first and second electronic devices.
 19. Themodular system as in claim 18, wherein charging priority is dynamicallyallocated in accordance with current battery charge level X of the firstbattery and current battery charge level Y of the second battery inreference to a battery charge level threshold P %, wherein: if X<P %,Y<P %, first charging X to P % and then charging Y to P %, or if X≧P %Y<P%, divide charging current into trickle charging X and fast chargingY to P %, or if X<P %, Y≧P %, divide charging current into fast chargingX to P % and trickle charging Y, or if X≧P %, Y≧P %, trickle charging Xand Y.
 20. The modular system as in claim 18, wherein charging priorityis dynamically allocated further based on power usage by the respectivefirst and second electronic devices.
 21. The modular system as in claim1, wherein the control system of the first electronic device isconfigured to determine docking status, and wherein upon confirmingdocking of the first electronic device to the second electronic device,the first electronic device automatically switches control of theoperation of the second electronic device.
 22. The modular system as inclaim 21, wherein the second human input/output interface of the secondelectronic device includes a display, and wherein the control systemswitches to controlling the display based on its associated displaycharacteristics upon confirmation of docking of the first electronicdevice to the second electronic device.
 23. A docking adaptor tofacilitate docking a first electronic device having a first housinghaving a first form factor, to a docking bay in a second housing of asecond electronic device having a second form factor, comprising: afirst structure that conforms to at least a part of the first housing; asecond structure that conforms to the docking cavity in the secondhousing, such that said at least a part of the first housing can fitinto the first structure and the second structure can fit into thedocking bay in the second housing, so that the first electronic devicecan be docked into the housing of the second electronic device; and anadaptor interface having a first end connectable to an electricalinterface on the first electronic device, and a second end connectableto a docking interface at the docking bay in the second electronicdevice.
 24. A method of charging a first electronic device having afirst battery docked to a second electronic device having a secondbattery, comprising: dynamically allocating charging priority betweenthe first and second electronic devices, in accordance with currentbattery charge level X of the first battery and current battery chargelevel Y of the second battery in reference to a battery charge levelthreshold P %, wherein: if X<P %, Y<P %, first charging X to P % andthen charging Y to P %, or if X≧P % Y<P %, divide charging current intotrickle charging X and fast charging Y to P %, or if X<P %, Y≧P %,divide charging current into fast charging X to P % and trickle chargingY, or if X≧P %, Y≧P %, trickle charging X and Y.
 25. A first electronicdevice comprising: a housing having a form factor, supporting: a humaninput/output interface; a power source providing power to operate theslave electronic device; a docking interface structured to communicatewith an electrical interface of a second electronic device having asmaller form factor than the form factor of the housing, wherein thefirst electronic device is removably dockable to the second electronicdevice, and wherein operation of the second electronic device iscontrolled at least in part by a system processor of the first devicevia the docking interface when the first electronic device is docked tothe second electronic device.